I work as programmer/web developer, but I have none experience in opengl/directx programming... I don't like directx (it's because of M$), so I decided for openGL. Would, somebody, please explain basics of opengl to me?.... I'm about to reprogram an old game but in 3d graphics so I need the tools to get me going...

Is it possible to create 3D-objects with opengl (with certain functions) and then let OpenGL engine (server?) take care of drawing them to the screen/window; according to "viewing position" - something like camera position? Did I come even close to the idea of how opengl works?

Thanks in advance!

Regards!

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AVicko

avicko

03-03-2003, 02:54 AM

<snip>
Is it possible to create 3D-objects with opengl (with certain functions) and then let OpenGL engine (server?) take care of drawing them to the screen/window; according to "viewing position" - something like camera position? Did I come even close to the idea of how opengl works?
</snip>

With "...let OpenGL engine take care of drawing them...." I meant to ask: Does it automatically takes care of objects that are hidden behind others?
e.g.: If I draw/create I few boxes, will openGL engine correctly draw them (hide invisible parts of some and so on?) -- OR: must the above be taken care "manually"?

Regards!

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AVicko

avicko

03-03-2003, 03:04 AM

Oh, yeah, and another thing:
Which language do you recommend (except the obvious c++)?

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AVicko

JustHanging

03-03-2003, 03:24 AM

Yes, that's pretty much the way OpenGL works. Hidden surface removal is taken care of automatically, but you can still speed things up by not even attempting to draw things that you know aren't visible. But that's just optimizing, not necessary if the speed is ok.

For lots of opengl tutorials, go to http://nehe.gamedev.net/

I use mainly delphi for the programming my opengl stuff. There's a brand new opengl toolkit at http://www.delphi3d.net/ , which might help you get started if you choose delphi to be your platform. I use delphi 2.0, which should be freely available.

-Ilkka

roffe

03-03-2003, 06:32 AM

Whenever I try to learn something new, I read up on the subject. You should too.
You can start here. http://www.opengl.org/developers/documentation/index.html

Start with overviews and work your way down.

DalTXColtsFan

03-03-2003, 07:18 AM

If you're going to be programming in Windows with C I'd like to recommend the book OpenGL Game Programming from PrimaTech. There's a big spiel about it on nehe.gamedev.net. I like it because it assumes you know NOTHING and takes you step-by-step with a buildingblock approach. Has tons of great samples too.

The only drawback is it is a wee bit Windows and C biased. I doesn't really touch C++ even until about the 15th chapter.